Feignies 2018

In May 2018 the Keyworth choir is teaming up with the Keyworth Twinning Association to host visitors from Feignies. Because Ascension Day falls on a Thursday this year, the French will arrive around 6 pm on Thursday 10 May and depart after breakfast on Sunday 13 May.

Planning for the weekend is well advanced (see programme below) but we still need a few more people to act as hosts. If you would like to be involved in any way, please contact us by phone or email.

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION AND WHAT TO EXPECT

Introduction

We have had a link with the Chorale de Feignies for over 30 years and have given many concerts together. Feignies is the official twin town of Keyworth.

It is situated in Northern France, very near the Belgian border, south of Mons. It is a small town of just over 7,000 inhabitants, a mixture of industrial (bread, cars, steel and ceramics) and rural occupations.

The Feignies choir members are a very friendly group indeed, keen to nurture the link.

The weekend is not just for choir members but also for partners, family and friends – the more the merrier!

Programme

On Thursday evening, on arrival at the Village Hall car park, there will be a ‘greeting ceremony’ with drinks and nibbles. Lots of hugs, introductions and bonhomie!

On Friday, the Twinning Association will be organising a trip out for the day for their visitors, using the French coach for transport if possible. Choir hosts will be able to join this trip if they wish or make their own arrangements to take guests to other interesting historical/cultural/scenic places.

On Saturday, the morning will be free. In the afternoon, the choirs will meet at the Methodist Church at 2 pm for separate rehearsals, finishing with a joint rehearsal.

On Saturday evening, there will be a joint concert followed by a meal and barn dance at the Village Hall.

Accommodation

The French will be hosted by choir members and their friends in and around Keyworth. Those who have been before will probably know who their hosts are to be but if you have no previous contact in Feignies, we will get some basic information from you – French language competence/any special requirements, etc – and pass those on to the Feignies choir to match you up with a suitable member of the choir. There is a whole range of language skills on both sides, so do not be put off if your French is basic, rusty or even non-existent. It is amazing what sign language can achieve!